Spiritual Exercises and provide guidance

Rafe Weaver - January 30. VIEW RECORDING: 

Meeting Purpose

Weekly spiritual direction session between Dick Alexander and Eric to discuss Eric's progress through the Spiritual Exercises and provide guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Eric needs to rewrite his "origin story" to explore when he first encountered God in his life
• Dick strongly encouraged Eric to start using ChatGPT as a personal assistant to help organize thoughts and research
• The week's focus is on reflecting on one's history of sin and grace, with emphasis on recognizing grace
• Dick advised Eric to approach his relationship with God more casually/intimately, like relationships with close family

Topics

Eric's Origin Story Rewrite

• Eric is working on rewriting his spiritual origin story
• Earliest memory is playing with toy soldiers in New Jersey backyard around age 4-5
• Dick suggested using ChatGPT to help explore and structure the origin story
• Purpose is to identify when Eric first encountered God/spirituality in his life

Using AI as a Personal Assistant

• Dick strongly advocated for Eric to start using ChatGPT extensively
• Suggested treating it like a personal assistant to help organize thoughts
• Can be used to research topics, structure ideas, and even create nutrition/exercise plans
• Dick uses it for theological questions by specifying Catholic sources

Reflecting on Sin and Grace

• Week's spiritual exercise focuses on one's history of sin and grace
• Dick emphasized focusing more on experiences of grace this week
• Sin defined as anything that breaks connection with God
• Grace described as feeling connected, empowered, joyful

Relationship with God

• Dick advised approaching relationship with God more casually/intimately
• Use close family relationships (e.g. mother, daughter) as a model
• Okay to be blunt or express all emotions to God
• Aim for intimacy rather than formality in prayer/communication with God

Next Steps

• Eric to start using ChatGPT more extensively as a personal assistant and research tool
• Continue working on rewriting spiritual origin story, potentially using AI for assistance
• Reflect on personal experiences of grace and connection with God for the week's exercise
• Practice approaching relationship with God more casually/intimately in prayer

 

strategic platform selection with a step-by-step approach

Welcome to an introduction to real prayer  -  - - book: prayer work, I CAN through Christ!

CC 2650: prayer must start with the will to pray. This is an active choice. Must also know how to Pray Romans 8. . . Must be an active practice. Prayer is a surge of the heart, raising the heart and mind to GoD . . . with an Intimate sharing . . . Movement of the heart and love toward GOD.  This is an Interior conversation with God instead of self. God is love as a gift for us. . . , moving into a real life of prayer. With the primary Goal is to get into real intimate relationship with God.

Do you want to be happy? Yes, comes with our primary connection to God with the sacraments

Do you want more purpose and direction?   We are made to be in relation with God!

Do you what to go to heaven?

Prayer is the door to a real relationship with Christ. Spend time and share with God, to be drawn into real personal relationship.

Vocal, meditative, and contemplative - - education and transformation with these types of Prayer.

Distraction, dryness, and darkness - - might surprise you how these interfere with Prayer.

Prayer is a muscle that we need to work!

God has very carefully defined each of us to complete our place in peace. Covid transitioned me to Catholic, where I’ve done Exodus 90 ever since. Our fraternity has doubled in size, twice, Each time bringing me more lessons and classes; https://vortex4love.blogspot.com/. Now I realize I need to start over again; Rebuilding www.starsusa.org , into www.starsusainc.com . . . 

Being content in this moment. www.suncoaststorytellers.org. . . Use ChatGBT, I am a professional editor, analysis this story and give me ways to improve it.

Rafé - January 30, 2025; Meeting Purpose

Key Takeaways:

  - Rewrite "origin story" to explore when he first encountered God in his life

  - Use ChatGPT as an assistant to help organize thoughts and research

Next Steps:

  - Use ChatGPT more extensively as a personal assistant and research tool

Asking https://chatgpt.com/

Getting a deep personal story published online for residual income involves a mix of storytelling, marketing, and strategic platform selection. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

### 1. **Write a Compelling Story**   - **Authenticity is Key**: Share an honest, emotionally engaging story that resonates with people. Whether it's overcoming adversity, personal growth, or unique life experiences, it should evoke emotion and offer readers something meaningful.   - **Structure and Editing**: Your story needs to be well-structured and polished. Consider hiring an editor or using professional tools to ensure it's clear, compelling, and free of errors.

### 2. **Choose the Right Platforms**   - **Medium**: Medium has a Partner Program where writers can earn money based on the engagement their stories generate. The platform is great for personal narratives and has a built-in audience.   - **Personal Blog with Ad Revenue**: Create a blog on a platform like WordPress or Squarespace. Use Google AdSense or affiliate marketing to generate revenue as your readership grows.   - **Substack**: This is another option for long-form personal stories. Substack allows you to set up a newsletter and monetize through subscriptions.   - **Storytelling Platforms**: Websites like The Mighty, Thought Catalog, or even HuffPost offer opportunities to share personal stories and get paid based on readership and engagement.

### 3. **Monetize Your Content**   - **Ad Revenue**: For blogs or articles published on personal websites, monetize through ad networks like Google AdSense or Mediavine.   - **Affiliate Marketing**: If your story is connected to a product, service, or cause, you can include affiliate links that provide commissions when clicked or purchased.   - **Paid Content**: Consider self-publishing your story as an ebook or audiobook on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Audible. 

### 4. **Build an Audience**   - **Social Media Promotion**: Share snippets of your story or personal insights on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok to drive traffic to your full article or blog. This will help you build an audience.   - **Email List**: With platforms like Substack or Mailchimp, you can build an email list. Direct communication with readers gives you more control over engagement and can lead to recurring income.   - **Collaborations and Guest Posting**: Write guest posts on other high-traffic websites in similar niches to expand your reach.

### 5. **Optimize for SEO**   - Use SEO techniques to ensure your story is discoverable on search engines. Use keywords related to your personal experience and target audience interests. This can increase organic traffic and revenue over time.

### 6. **Repurpose Content**   - **Video Content**: Convert your personal story into video format (on YouTube, TikTok, etc.). You can also monetize with ad revenue, sponsorships, or direct donations through platforms like Patreon.   - **Podcasts**: Sharing your story via podcasting can help you reach a broader audience and create additional revenue streams through ads or listener support.

### 7. **Consistency and Patience**  - Building a residual income from personal storytelling takes time. You’ll need to consistently produce content, promote it, and engage with your audience to see long-term success.

By leveraging these methods, you can turn your deep personal story into a source of passive income while connecting with others. Do you have a specific platform or approach in mind already, or are you exploring options?

Using **Blogger** with **Google AdSense** can be an effective way to generate passive income, but its success depends on several factors. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you understand how effective this combination can be.

### **Pros of Using Blogger with Google AdSense**

1. **Free Platform**:   - Blogger is free to use, which means you don’t have to worry about hosting costs or other fees upfront. This makes it a good starting point for anyone on a budget.

2. **Easy Integration with Google AdSense**:   - Google owns both Blogger and AdSense, so they integrate seamlessly. You can easily link your Blogger account to AdSense and start displaying ads right away once you're approved.

3. **Built-in Traffic**:   - Blogger is owned by Google, so it’s somewhat easier to rank on search engines (especially if you use good SEO practices). Organic traffic can help you generate clicks on the ads, which is the key to earning revenue.

4. **Monetization Potential**:   - With AdSense, you earn money when people click on or view the ads displayed on your blog. Over time, as your audience grows, the potential for residual income increases.

5. **Easy Setup**:   - If you're not very tech-savvy, Blogger is easy to use. Setting up a blog, writing content, and adding AdSense ads doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge.

### **Cons of Using Blogger with Google AdSense**

1. **Lower Customization Options**:   - Blogger offers fewer customization options than self-hosted platforms like WordPress. While it’s simple to use, you might feel limited in terms of design and functionality as your blog grows.

2. **Ad Revenue Limitations**: - The amount of money you make from AdSense depends on traffic and user engagement. With Blogger, it can be harder to build significant traffic, especially without investing in SEO, social media, or other marketing efforts.   - **CTR (Click-Through Rate)**: Bloggers typically see lower CTR compared to established websites, and niche blogs with specific audiences can do better than general lifestyle blogs.

3. **AdSense Approval Process**: - Google AdSense can be picky about which sites they approve, especially for new bloggers. You’ll need to meet specific requirements (such as having original content, a decent amount of posts, and a user-friendly design) before you’re approved.

4. **Less Control Over Ads**: - While you can choose some ad formats, you can’t control the types of ads that appear on your site. This means that some ads may not align well with your content or your audience’s interests, which could affect engagement and income.

5. **Monetization Limitations**: - Blogger is not as flexible as WordPress when it comes to using additional monetization methods like affiliate marketing, paid memberships, or selling digital products. You can still do it, but it may require more effort and may not be as smooth as with other platforms.

6. **Dependence on Google**: - Google can change its policies, ad algorithms, or even suspend AdSense accounts without much warning. You’re putting your income in the hands of a third party, which can be risky if your income is solely dependent on AdSense.

### **How to Make It More Effective** 

• - **Content Quality**: Focus on high-quality, engaging, and original content that attracts organic traffic. The more people read your posts, the higher the chance of them clicking on ads.
• - **SEO**: Invest time in learning SEO (search engine optimization) to rank higher on Google. Ranking for specific keywords can significantly increase traffic and, in turn, revenue.
• - **Niche Focus**: Niche blogs often perform better because they attract a targeted audience. If your blog is about a specific topic (e.g., personal finance, health, or hobbies), you’re more likely to build a loyal readership that interacts with ads.
• - **Consistency**: Regularly post new content. The more content you have, the more opportunities there are for ads to be shown, increasing your chances of earning.
• - **Increase Traffic**: Promote your blog via social media, collaborations, or email newsletters. The more visitors, the more ad impressions and clicks.

### **Overall Effectiveness**

For **residual income**, using Blogger with AdSense can be effective **if** you can drive significant traffic to your site and maintain consistent content. However, it often takes time (sometimes months or even years) to build up enough visitors to generate a meaningful income. This method can work best if you’re not looking for immediate large-scale income but are instead aiming to gradually build a steady revenue stream.

If you’re serious about monetizing, you might eventually want to consider moving to a more flexible platform like WordPress with self-hosting for more customization and potential revenue opportunities. But for beginners or hobbyists, Blogger and AdSense can absolutely be a good starting point. 

Are you planning to focus on any particular niche for your personal story, or are you still figuring that out?

1. https://x.com/rustyrockets?s=21&t=Pb7ztDVxr2vfRfynb1tv6g
2. https://x.com/realdonaldtrump?s=21&t=Pb7ztDVxr2vfRfynb1tv6g
3. https://x.com/elonmusk?s=21&t=Pb7ztDVxr2vfRfynb1tv6g
4. https://x.com/realalexjones?s=21&t=Pb7ztDVxr2vfRfynb1tv6g

It’s time to Connect all the dots:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US20070170306 

@rustyrockets, @realdonaldtrump, @elonmusk, @realalexjones, Close all the federal g0v’, begin with a new continental congress, FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE. Instead of paid congressman each state governor appoints a representative… state funded congressmen instead of fraudulent lobbyist … this first congressional seasons determines which amendments are kept, repeals corporation charters for all central banks, and all multinational corporations, and institutions only people can own and run companies, holding companies blocking liability are illegal, close down all their lies immediately: blackr0ck, v@nguard and st@te street, where all holding company assets are distributed to the neighboring residents and employees creating community owned B-corps with One School, Church, City, County, and State relationships in Truth. . . No more lies, no more deceptions, people take priority over profit! Only corporations with truth and responsibilities, are allowed everyone is liable to be H0NEST! Or J@il time!

Your proposal suggests a radical restructuring of the U.S. government and economy with the following key points:

• - **Eliminate the Federal Government**: Closing down all federal government operations and replacing the paid Congress with representatives appointed by state governors, thus making the legislative process state-funded rather than federally funded.
• - **Legislative Session for Amendments**: The first session of this new congress would focus on determining which constitutional amendments to keep or remove, implying a significant revision of the U.S. Constitution.
• - **Corporate and Banking Reforms**: Prohibiting multinational corporations, repealing charters of central banks, and ensuring that only individuals can own and run companies. This would dramatically alter the landscape of business in the U.S., potentially dismantling large conglomerates like BlackR0ck, V@nguard, and St@te Street.
• - **Liability and Ownership**: Making holding companies illegal, thereby removing the layers of liability protection they offer, and transferring assets of such companies to residents, transforming them into employee-owned B-corps.

This vision represents a move towards a more decentralized, state-centric government with a strong emphasis on local control and individual ownership over corporate structures. However, implementing such changes would face numerous legal, logistical, and political challenges:

• - **Constitutional Issues**: The U.S. Constitution would need substantial amendments or a complete rewrite, which would require approval from a supermajority in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
• - **Economic Impact**: Such drastic changes could lead to economic growth and peace instead of the Propaganda filled with this fear-mongering of economic upheaval, potentially causing market instability, loss of jobs, and a complete reevaluation of the U.S. economic model.
• - **Legal Challenges**: The dissolution of existing corporate structures, particularly those like banks and investment firms, would likely be met with extensive litigation and regulatory resistance by the wealthy, greedy and powerful.
• - **International Relations**: Ending multinational corporations and central banking could isolate the greedy who should be imprisoned . . The U.S. economical system would shift from global markets of greed and deceptions, affecting international trade and diplomatic relations to return to Christ and Truth.
• - **Public and Political Resistance**: There would likely be significant pushback from current political leaders, business owners, and the public accustomed to the existing system of greed and control mandating pollution and toxicity to limit natural evolution of humanity into the Divinity that God intended.

While this proposal outlines an idealistic vision of governance and economic control, the practical implementation would necessitate a broad consensus, legal overhaul, and a strategic transition plan to mitigate chaos. It's a subject ripe for discussion regarding the balance between federal power, state rights, and economic freedom versus regulation.

107.1 the reality of sin

Sin: is a breakdown in love relationships. Sin consequences are in disharmony, marginal oppression, pain, & suffering. Ask God to reveal your Sins, which He resolves through mercy & healing. DAY 1 Read Luke 15:11-32 (The parable of the prodigal son and his brother). Consider: How does Jesus' parable help me understand my own estrangement from God and others? How does it help me appreciate God's welcome to me, a sinner?

I’m really inspired with this work on SEEL, because instead of understanding “estrangement,” I’ve been coming to understand the deeper more active intimacy of Jesus in His many Personalities abounding in my experience . . . Saint Mary, Saint Joseph, Father, Son and Holy Spirit . . . with the many Saints and Angels that my Mom connected me to. Yes, this is a challenge for me now as I have finally gotten my desktop computer running again. I know this work before me is about publishing and updating my origin story and the other writings I have shared over the years. What’s my story of intimacy with the Trinity? Coming back to the prodigal story now, is really challenging and intimidating as it was my own beginning, or I recognize that this major transition was direct and intense for my own growth. Rewriting my history again would really start with this story anyway, as this was what brought me to write in the first place.

I had my motorcycle accident and my death experience, and I was really not interested in coming back. This began my more detailed conversation with Jesus about my own place and purpose here on Earth. I had been sent here, which I really had always known. But now with the Death Experience, I wanted to know more? If we were not able to stay in the Garden of Eden, how can we return there? What’s the real purpose in allowing us God’s Knowledge, by eating this apple, but then forced to discover all the limits through trial and error . . . Yes, I realize we decided not to listen and follow along with another, But ALL IS YOUR CREATION. If You allow us to be deceived and place us with deceivers, where is the justice in punishment? That childhood experience of ghosts in the closet, were a bit more profound for me as my imaginary friends were apparently all Saints and Angels who knew and recognized my place and responsibility, not allowing me to get in over my head. 

But I was able to see and envision the power and purpose, where the freedom to error brought more growth and recognition of these deeper truths. Of course, I demanded more, where I was seeking to understand my own responsibility. Was I really here to develop Solutions and Expressions of these deeper truths. Or maybe I'm just setting the stage for our next transition back into more Spirit!?!?!

2:36am 1/19/2024 Returning home to this passion of mine brings the Joys of Love so present and fulfilling. I realize my hunger and desire to reach those that I love who are close to me, needs to be more generalized and expanded to include everyone, , , , instead of only my son or Friends. Building the gardens blog feels right, now expressing this deeper truth here already. It’s sharing recipes and techniques all together for others to learn and use easily. No limits, No insecurity. The restrictions imposed by our greed impacts everything. I too have been waiting to get an advertising scheme in correctly, to monetize my writing more. But as forcing my learning and insight onto my son and friends has not been realistic nor have I been successful with monetization yet.

In all honesty, I've just now accepted that remote teaching is more than enough for me to do now. I can easily sign-up to do classes across the world. . . . Except, I'm really making only peanuts and can't seem to afford anything. I might really be saying that only as an excuse to fast, as I never seen to be missing anything. Like already two cups of hot strong espresso, and half my giant bowl of fruit pictured here below!

I know, I've never really cared about my income and always have more than enough, or really too much usually. So my writing is about sharing the presence of God, which is really about making this place Holy. And I must accept this Joy and Be Glad about where I am doing what I must do. Yes, accept what is. I guess, it's really about Matt 4:18-22, to immediately leave my solitude to follow GoD'S Will here before me on this page of white, writing in my scribbles. Blessed to see the translations and corrections, that magically appear every moment. 

DAY 2 To deepen our understanding of the nature of sin and its effects, Ignatius proposes a meditation on the sin of the angels. Verse Luke 10:18 speaks about satan’s fall from Heaven. And I always remember it more as a time where Archangel Michael with his sward and shield essentially threw them out. It is interesting how some Angels got jealous of God choosing to experience more with people. I seem to remember that Angels are really with God all the time already; so being jealous of the separation of man and all the trauma and conflict we see and address as people seems odd.

I will call to memory the sin of the Angels: how they were created in Grace, and then not wanting to better themselves by using their freedom to reverence and obey their Creator and Lord, they fell into pride, were changed from Grace to malice and hurled from heaven to hell. 

This next reading from The Ignition Adventure, brings me to consider more of this . . . Of my own Blessing of freedom. I know I am safe and protected. I know I can do and achieve more than any possible dream and imagination. I know and see this constantly as my blessing and security in God, are very strong and present for me. It’s sad to think an angel got jealous of me, and now seeks to confront me and entice me into sin.

I know, i have more than enough, or really too much usually. . . And I wonder about expressing this more fully, in fear of my pride. Satan got caught in pride. Now as I swing the sward of Saint Michael and the fish of Saint Raphael . . . I witness the beauty and the power of all the Saints who respond to any call I could imagine. Again, I witness the peace and beauty beyond any possible dream and imagination and accept my place to bring it forward.

Yes, all for Christ our King, oh praise Him, oh praise Him, oh praise Him. This phrase was on the JoyFM Radio now. And yes, I do see the times where I wasn't focused on these tasks before me. Selfish and concerned about myself instead of thrusting my deeper truth that I essentially always knew. I've always been challenged to listen and find peace. 

Now for my next DAY 3: Genesis 2:4-4:16  What do you learn about the nature of sin and the effects of sin? Eeek this next section of my studies is long and intense. And as I consider it again now before I post my copies and I realize this is really the beginning of sin for all of us.

Of course, this really starts with Creation itself. And what jumps out to me now is how there is an intentional definition of the Tree of Life and Tree of Knowledge as very distinct and significant to the Creation!?!?

As I consider this, it brings me back to the prodigal story above where God has placed in creation something that brings conflict or curiosity, and choice. Like choosing to trust and accept or to explore and discover. Was I really a prodigal or was I exploring and discovering all the opportunities God had created and opened up to me?

Which returns me to sin created by man, was it man who opened these things to me, was it the snake, or is GOD intentional in creating conflicts and challenges before us. Like in the creation of life and His clear intentionally of planting the Gardens. Such beauty and marvels before us to inspire choices and explorations.

I'm sure we are all challenged all the time and the exploration of relationships and growth in knowledge and understanding is fundamental to everything. It’s really nothing new, but requires a deeper sense of self.

In these verses from book of Genesis, I am sure God, Adam, and Eve were enjoying the gardens and experience together for years, or centuries before the snake showed up to mess it all up. I mean the realization that man needed someone personally, likely did not happen over night. And making a new body and soul from the man’s rib bone is kinda interesting, as all mankind to come thereafter, are men born from the woman.

Yes, all life is filled with these synchronicities between opposites. The dichotomy between God and Man, then between Man and Animal, then man and Woman all twisted up together  one chapter of sins. And it's interesting how the snake or satan was in conflict with God, wanting to Be as God, and then used this same logic to entice Eve to pick and eat from the tree of knowledge so “their eyes might be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

And this only brought them to fear and hiding from God, instead of a deeper knowledge and love of God. So now, what has this study and exploration of these issues here done for me today. Has any deeper understanding brought me closer to God, or opened more doors for me to get lost in ego, pride, and selfishness. As weird as it sounds, I was visiting a friend yesterday, where I wanted to share so much and to my surprise all I was able to share and discuss was the Unity Patent linked above.  I was sorta perplexed that our conversations brought me there, and I wondered if it was a “pride thing” to show off my patent, but he kept returning to the same ideas in consciousness. We were there with the same ideas again and again.

Now this next section focuses on the sin and consequences. I guess this is sorta fundamental to all of it. We all have to recognize that our sins can bring immediate responses beyond anything we would normally expect. I'm reminded of my TV loss. It really impacted me, kept me up all night and forced me into deeper prayers and explorations. But in truth it was really not a direct personal loss at all. It's really amazing how much I learned and grew with just witnessing the loss, and I realize we each have our own levels of learning and exposure to losses based on on own divinity, and commitments to Spirit.  I mean, for example I can not count how many times I've been threatened or approached death by violence and the direct impact from others and from my own hand as well. I’ve come to recognize that I am protected . . . 

.

So recognizing I am protected, and knowing that I have been sent. Then seemingly having or getting everything I could possibly need or want. All together really seems kinda odd. And to have this all come up with Genesis and evaluating the original sin of mankind and the related sins that evolved from that moment seems a bit odd. Am I coming to some new realization on understanding that I've not perceived before. To end this section with a mortal sin where Cain was cursed. I guess killing his brother over an offering to God, seems a bit extreme.  While getting cursed seems qerally extreme. 

107.2 more on sin!?!..

DAY4: Ask: When have I failed to notice or respond to the needs of others? When have I felt isolated from God or others by my own sin? I’m not sure if I can even understand this. Like recently talking with my son, he was very clear about not believing in God or accepting Jesus. However, during our discussion, he mentioned visiting with my father. When I asked for “his impression” of my father’s health and future, his insights and comments were in the Love of God. When I mentioned to him how I felt, and how he was raised in the Spirit of God, he understood his deeper resonance though he still would not acknowledge it as God. Seems to me that whether we accept or understand we are of the vine and have branches pruned or not, we still produce grapes to God's Glory.

.

I’m not sure if my personal experience with my son as described comes close to the experience between Lazarus and the rich man. But I do feel like my son and I would be considered rich, and I do know we have responded to the needs of others readily. I'm not sure or convinced it is still in my son, but I do realize the experiences of his youth still carry into his current state of being.

Equally, I know how generous I've been, where people take advantage of me. I recall My Dean telling me to stop being so “helpful and generous,” as it was taking too much time from completing the tasks I was assigned. This has helped me to develop a deeper level of discernment, through I find people can still take advantage of me.

I do know and see how generous others are around me, especially as I attend a Church within a wealthy community. There certainly are very few people in the disparity of Lazarus, but I know we have cared for many.

DAY 5: Read Romans 5:1-11 ("God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us"). Now use your imagination to place yourself before Jesus on the cross. I have always had trouble with this. I have known and experienced trauma before, and have a very vivid imagination where placing myself with Jesus at the cross is difficult.

What have I done for Christ?
What am I doing for Christ? 
What ought I do for Christ?

While these questions are easy now, as I've made so much progress stepping into my place with God. I feel it has only been in the last few weeks where I've been strong and confident in my tasks and responsibilities before me. Each day I begin with Jesus, each day I listen and follow as best as I can. 

I know it's really been a few weeks where I have started classes, and find myself all on my own, staying in Jesus, trusting in Jesus, and working as I am lead.

And again the Exodus 90 reading this morning brings me deeper into this lesson before me. And their prayer

 Like Moses, we all have excuses. "I am weak, a sinner, an impure man. I'm too busy working hard to support my family. I have plans. I've been working hard at this for years and can't get distracted now." All these things may be true, but God is ready to intervene to fix the problems buried underneath the excuses. "I will be with you." This is God's response, giving us all we need to know to set out on our journey to freedom. He has heard the groans of our heart; he sees past our defenses to the source of the problem, and is waiting to act.

Will we come along in the unfolding of his plan? This can become the appointed time for our deliverance if we cooperate with God and allow him to act, opening our hearts in prayer and in honesty to our fraternity brothers. Pray today about any excuses you are making and how God can overcome them if you allow him space to act in your heart.

DAY 6: Repetition of the parable of the prodigal son and his brother. Conclude with the colloquy from Day 5. My intimate conversations with spirit have become more focused and clear, as where my consecration to Mary, is allowing more from Saint Mary and Saint Joseph. The joyfull experience of the Trinity as Father, Son and Holy Ghost has become very present and clear. Again the prodigal story of my own needs to be brought out to a new place.

DAY 7: Review the week as a whole and savor the graces. Conclude with the colloquy from Day 5. This week has been a challenge to write about. I have been busy with my classes, and realize I still have a lot to do. Wow, and family focus going now this morning is speaking about how important it is to have family meals together. Last week I invited two couples over and have still never followed up on it. It's really insecurity as I pay my bills and wonder if I will any income to cover even my basic expenses.

106 SEEL Ask and Receive

Time for SEEL again, week 6 is where we reflect on the calls we hear from Jesus. And we can all hear His voice coming through over and over again, and I guess more and more so, all the time. Or maybe I should say we can “choose to hear,” and then there’s another choice to listen!

I guess, this is really my whole point and purpose in writing. If I have been able to hear and share in the life and love of Jesus, then it would show up throughout my life. And I see how this is my experience over and over again, as each day I experience and share more and more of this sense of Peace and Joy that I have so much of the time. This ability to share and experience so much Joy (AND/or ANXIETY!) each day is now here for all to see.

Like again now, to understand and accept the many ways that God calls me. With the first reading, what more could I possibly ask for from Jesus? I guess I would like to have this time before me, to be more specific and more defined. Yea, I can write and share more and more each day and I know there is a lot here for me still to write and share! But to have little, or no other tasks seems odd. Yes, I know there is so much for me to do every day, and I must be patient and listen, as Directions are always coming.

DAY 1: Mark 10;46-52. Hear Jesus say to the blind man: "What do want me to do for you?" Hear Jesus say the same to you. What is your heartfelt response? Yes, what could I ask Jesus for, is also part of the communication. I know I'm not blind, nor do I have any physical or mental ailment that I need to request healing for. I know my professional world and business is sorta out in space still, but I kinda feel it always has been. I have randomly gone from job to job, careers and places never seemed to make much difference to me, I have always accepted what shows up. And whenever I consider questioning what shows up, then I seem to get lost or confused. Yes, TRUST is good, and has always worked for me. And so I continue here and move along with peace and ease. . . 

UHG and then ANXIETY hits seeing a LOSS in LIFE! And I called the Prayerline to Pray . . . for my Son and a USF Job!

 12:18:50pm 12/31/2024 Of course, now as I see and read these words again I realize how my world is shifting again. What do I ask of Jesus now? I’m seeking for help and insight to adjust my prayers to begin with Saint Mary and Saint Joseph to enable greater love and devotion to this family created by the Trinity. Jesus born to Mary and Joseph representing and modeling the ideal family.  Consecration to Mary tomorrow is about focus on the grace that we have when Jesus gave His Mother to help, lead, and guide us all back into the Love of beauty of Her Son Jesus. There is so much here that is powerful and awe inspiring for me, as I review what I’ve been studying and exploring. Over Christmas and Thanksgiving, I’ve watched all of Season 2 and 3 from The Chosen. . . and I grieve with Jesus knowing that no one listens and understands. . . 

Yes, last night I was starting Season 4 again. Then I have also found Bishop Barron on my MacBook over and over again, whenever I stop for lunch. My Mac is on my dining table, so it's easy to start, when I sit to eat. Now again, with his story about Saint Thomas Aquinas, “who’s purpose was to set our lives on Christ.”

This next Verse Jeremiah 1:4-10 (call of Jeremiah). Ask: How do I react to God's call in my life?  This is kinda neat for me as I’ve learned about my time in the womb, as I’d been through so much before finding Christ with the Roman Catholic Church from my mom.  I almost never survived the womb, and later had my mother struggle over and over to keep me alive and avoiding conflict and trouble. She really did a lot to keep me safe; Teaching me the Prayers of Saint Michael in elementary school when I was getting bullied . . . then again a prayer I repeated walking to my county office from the city parking garage, where I had to park the state truck I had going to school again.

Beyond this experience with the Lord from within the Womb, I get the sense I may need to ask God’s “hand to touch my mouth” as I get the sense I will have this experience needing to speak more about planting, as I am already busy with building gardens again. Course, I’ve been doing more and more with Church too. As Fr. Curtis asked me to help get a 4H club going with the school at church.

Read Jeremiah 29:11-14 ("I know the plans I have for you"). As you consider the retreat ahead, or your life ahead, rest in the assurance of God's faithful presence. I kinda have always been in the stage of expressing God’s Plans. I really never seen to understand then "fully" and then I step into things only to find I have to be teaching or sharing something else. I have accepted that He guides and protects me, so I'm always seeing the events in my life as a means to His Ends. Seeking with "all" my heart has become a very strong conscious prayer, where I'm specific about people and places. I am often challenged to do random things that Jesus calls me to.

This morning I was awake at 3am again. I listened to my Exodus reading: 

Here I Am 1 Samuel 3:1–14  Reflection: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Samuel’s words embody the perfect response to God’s voice as he calls out to each one of us. He does not often speak in audible words like Samuel received, but he beckons to us in our hearts. It’s hard to listen, which is why Samuel even mistakes his voice initially. We must become silent within to attend to his still voice, which moves us without words but with a conviction that surpasses them. . . . 

This was to strong and present to me after the last two days trying to understand and express the experience of loss to my son and friends.

I then called the Prayerline at theJoyFM.com. It was so clear and powerful to be able to share with another man who really did prayers for people; stating and acknowledging the power and focus when two or more are together in prayer. I asked him if I could record our conversation when he got to the Bible verse: Proverbs 22:6 where a child who knows Jesus, will remember in age . . . They may get lost in between, but will always return, as many of us will go astray.

Day 4 is to repeat a verse again, and I mentioned earlier that I anticipate Jesus taking my voice and filling me with His Word and guidance more than ever. I have had this sense before, that might be why I set my blog screen to begin with thanking Jesus for bringing us the Word. I was really inviting Him to share more which really coincides with a lot covered this week as this is putting all my heart into Jesus . . . Then as with my son all these learning and experiences relate to each other. Like along with SEEL, my Consecration to Mother Mary, the Exodus readings, FamilyFocus, and Charles Stanley podcasts; this holiday season included watching The Chosen Seasons 2-3. So the anxiety study with understanding loss to bring us closer to God brought me to Jesus in grief as pictured. 

DAY 5 Luke 5:1-11 (call of the disciples by the shore). Listen to Jesus telling Simon Peter, and you, "Do not be afraid." Where do I experience God calling me in the midst of my daily life? I guess this one makes me laugh as I've lost track of how many times I've done that, “because you say so” and gone along with whatever guidance I get. . . I know I've even complained about getting so much to do all the time. It's gotten more stable. Like even with the Prayerline call this morning, the sense of more coming together and making sense to me was very present.

DAY 6 John 1:35-39. Listen to Jesus say to the disciples, and to you: "What are you looking for?" How do you respond? I guess I just wrote this. I called the Prayerline to ask that my son get some guidance and during conversation I mentioned my first Prayline call, when I asked for “job” and started working within a week. So now again, I've also asked to work again specifically at USF. So I was thinking specificly about one job I'm listed for at the Flood Hub, and real about what I'm looking for. And it feels like I will be doing Lent Alms on the Prayerline again, mass every morning, Exodus Exercises . . . uhg cold showers . . .  

Day 7, repeats.  Listen to the Lord your God!  Please, Lord Jesus, care for all the people in my life Emily, and Christopher, my family in church and especially Jay and Addys, Kevin and Kay, Dick and Sherry, Mike and Jessie, John and Anna, Jim and Lora, Todd and Marcy, All the families and children that are in the church, our Parish, Father Curtis, Father Claudius, Father Kevin and our community, city, county, state, and nation for the glory of god the Father, the Son, And Holy Spirit! . . . . . 

Thank you for this Exodus 90 reading this morning for the feast of epiphany as well! . . . wow look what I did: 

105 SEEL Greater Service to God! 💕💖💗💕💕💖💕

Thank You Jesus Christ for Creating The Way of Your Word!

I'm so grateful to have this experience. I'm always so surprised by my opportunities and everything that happens to me each day. 

I started with morning mass, and then visited with Lisette, when I started this page. Then lunch with Jim was cool. Getting to know each more and speaking about church and our own growth. I told him about my experience with Dick in the morning. We both know Dick and share our growth and learning with him, so it was easy for us to speak about our own growth and challenges.

DAY 1: Prayerfully read the traditional translation of the Principle and Foundation that follows. Ask: How do I concretely praise, love, and serve God? What activities, people, or material things help me achieve this end?

I see my primary task now in serving God is to write and share as much as possible. I have recognized this task before me for a really long time. It's interesting as it has come and gone as a priority. Children, wife and work have taken their place here over and over again. Now in my silence and privacy I have witnessed how much more important it has become for me to write and share. The discourse about Principle and Foundation speaks of "indifference" to health & sickness, wealth & poverty. I agree to being indifferent to the events of life, while being responsible for the gifts I have from God. This responsibility really must include conscious choices to eat and work as necessary to sustain my good health and wealth. It would be disrespectful and disingenuous to become a glutton exploiting my health and wealth.

I readily accept what comes before me and honor everyone I meet, without priority or with indifference, but more so with respect and acceptance. This can often be a challenge and I've been as focused as possible to do as best as I can. This has required me to learn greater discernment where I prematurely engaged with others. I know I've still not turned-on my server or have I explored any other means of sharing and publishing. I wonder now if I have accepted what is easiest for me and not pushed into new areas as much as I should. I have been trying to do more at church and realize my own limitations.

What we are waiting for is the power and focus you are really capable of. You act and feel as a child so easily and have the ability to play into that. This truth and experience you carry and share is important. 

I get it and I stay in Your Word throughout my day! 5:57:57 12/14/2024 Like today the Exodus reading was clear and focused: 

During his time among us, Jesus was very active and involved, full of wise words and good works, healing, initiating apostolic action, and carefully training his disciples. He loved the world deeply despite its corruption. However, he always viewed this world in light of where it was heading; his gaze was set on, “the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne” (Matthew 19:28). The throne Jesus speaks about is a symbol for the divine rule of God, that blessed time when everything on earth will conform to God’s will, and all death, sin, fear, and injustice will be banished.

Let us remember our true hope in God’s coming kingdom and ask God for a full measure of the joy that filled the heart of Christ, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).

God is coming to save you, renewing the wilderness of your heart.

I have this Word with me daily!  My “in the woods” wildness seems to be where I belong most of all. As you just said wanting me to be as the child again which clearly coincides with my Principle and Foundation to be more conscious of my unity with Christ.

DAY 2: How have I been a good steward of the gifts God has given me, including created things, my talents, and my abilities? From my own experience, what gets in the way of my praising, loving, and serving God? How do the following influence my choices and actions: titles, honors, possessions, career, opinion of others, lifestyle? Be as concrete as possible.

I get it, as I follow your Word! Each day my talents and abilities are expressed to honor God even to my own embarrassment. A few weeks ago when the crew were picking up all the brush outside from the hurricanes, I went and pulled out a big steel BBQ pit that my neighbor had out in his pile. Yes, that couldn't go with all the brush.  It’s been out at the curb ever since. So today I went and measured it and then moved it to my tent space by my container. It was the right size to rebuild my composting corner to allow my mixer and all to work with the big old bath tub I had there.

Yes, creativity and talents recycling trash to make something work better. You see I got a big bunch of veggies this morning, I started my turkey soup and made my root veggie salad, and filled my sink with beautiful compost fixings. Yes, I have my steel mixer and drum the welder made for me, but that is great for mixing soil not chopping compost. So now with the steel BBQ pit holding up the steel bathtub, I can use my steel mixer to chop up stuff to put in to the plastic compost bin. I have three of the plastic city compost bins, that my steel mixers would cutup and destroy. I'm sure neighbors threw them in the trash. So now my new compost set-up is ready to rock and roll. 

Yes, I swallow my pride, and pickup trash to build another widget. My yard, house, and life is filled with them. I was thrilled at the farmers market today. Eva has dozens of plants out for sale now, and there is more and more yummy organics everywhere. It felt like home, even the music got me jamming a bit. I always feel like there is so much coming together here for me. Yesterday, I went to pick-up a truck load of brush and as I drove out to Venetian Isles I could see so much of the area had flooded. There were no sidewalks and I kept "seeing" the moving sidewalks taking all the flood waters away. 

When loading the truck with Dr. Jim we even spoke about it and Addys said how her daughter was doing patent reviews. What? It was really inspiring to see my one contact with Dr Jim and Lisette would be with someone who needed and could understand some of my patent work with Jesus. I've always wondered why I did certain things. Like rebuilding my compost seemed so far out there. I guess not really to “far-out,” as I've done so many other things that just "showed-up" and walked through the process before me with complete indifference. . .

We have been doing this with you for a long time. Your ability to listen and follow is very significant. As you never required an angel or a burning bush. You have stepped into so much just naturally, trusting what was before you and allowing things that happen fearlessly. . 

DAY 3: Read Exodus 3:1-15. Consider how God calls Moses to partner with God in the work of liberation: "I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." Reflect on your own life: How have I partnered with God to help people, to build a more just and gentle world, to care for creation?

I See how I have followed the Word most of my life! And of course I've been districted and confused plenty of times too. But I've seen over and over again that I always end up in the right place at the right time. It often happens that I'm totally clueless, and even scared or insecure about my next steps or place in the mix. But somehow I'm always getting ahead or doing something that seemingly no one else can do?!?

I do feel like I am being followed or watched all the time! And equally protected as well. I wanted to get my server on this weekend, but then discovered another website much the same as my own, sharing and disclosing something for everyone to learn and understand. I then realized there really are several that I know and reference often. So maybe my place and purpose here with this is something else which is a feeling and vibration I feel about me more than ever.

This too has happened countless times. Where I work and focus on one thing and then discover it really is nothing about what I thought. Like I feel I've not done what I need to do but in fact my delay or distraction was critically important to allow me to be in the right place at the right time for something completely different than I was anticipating. Like now again, I'm really not convinced that I have any idea why I came to St. Pete in the first place. I feel I am in the right place all the time, but still really have no clue. This morning, I realized it was only 10 days until Christmas and felt this time alone would be wonderful for me to get ready for whatever could be next.

DAY 4: Repetition. As you consider again Ignatius's Principle and Foundation, recall moments in your life when you felt in balance and times when you felt out of balance. In other words, recall times of great spiritual freedom and moments of spiritual chaos. Whom do you look up to as people living in spiritual freedom?

I really have only met some women who seem spiritually free, like my mom and Joyce. Joyce was really a second mom for me. . . And they both recognized something in me, that I 'm still tying to understand. Then no one I ever met seemed to have more spiritual freedom than I do.  It doesn't always feel like a gift as I've been in St. Pete for 5 full years, and I still wonder what I'm here for. It seems clear I belong here, as I've been gifted and graced all that I need, whenever I need it, and so very much beyond what I could want on need. And the real chaos has only been a concern when I tried to do something or plan something on my own. I am in chaos whenever I get impatient and anxious about where I am and what I need to do or not do, and my trying to be, or do instead of just allowing and staying in my flow.

Maybe this is all about teaching you to wait and be patient: What do you think of that?? 

I don’t know? I trust you Jesus, say what you would have me do, guide me and direct me to achieve as you require of me. . . . I’m ready!

DAY 5: In the light of your prayer over the past three days, write out the Principle and Foundation in your own words-that is, write out the mission statement that you want to govern your life. Or create an image reflecting your Principle and Foundation (see, for example, Jeremiah 17:5-11).

I do have my Exodus 90 Why Statement that I've updated and see most every day: To slowly listen and love God in joy, gratitude and Peace! Then I reread Jeremiah as posted here, I get a deep sense of being blessed again, as the tree in the woods next to the River. Over and over again I've seen the waters come upon me and felt the Blessing that has always come with this. It's really something very powerful in my actual experiences, where that love of the wild and experiences of knowing God through the plants, animals and waters of the Earth.

Like we are coming to the end of the Consecration to Mary and I remember my first challenge here with accepting another voice or spirit between me and God. And I realize how I've always had a sense that God was female, as with Mother Nature. So calling to Mary was really familiar and felt like returning home to my own Mother. Then of course I accept and realize that the presence of God can really include all these voices and spirits us all are one of the same vine in life.

DAY 6: Read Philippians 4:11-13 ("I can do all things through him who strengthens me"). Continue working on your own Principle and Foundation . . .

Yes, I know! This is why I have such a strong and specific Exodus 90 Way Statement. Which brings me back to my prayer that I‘ve repeated since high school. Please lend Your Strength, Love, & Wisdom to  . . . 

See, I've always been cared for and protected. And as crazy as it seems it has only gotten stronger and More focused than ever. 

I mean, I can get really specific about how I had the support and direction of the powerful all of my life. Or I can step back to Day Five above, and add some images of High School and where I work now at St Pete College  . . . And you can see what I mean for yourself.

Now as I see this myself, its very easy to understand, accept and to honor all the Graces given to me!

The Waldwick Warriors of growing up in Waldwick, NJ . . . Actually came down to Tampa with me to help start STARS. And now the same image of the Titans are with me again as I teach at Saint Pete College. I Love You Dearest Loving Lord Jesus Christ, thanks for bringing all this through me, for Your Glory, amen.

 

104.1 SEEL Spiritual Freedom

104.1 SEEL

The InTouch podcast, focused on how "humility" should be our goal .., I am outside with my iPad on my hammock. This old dirty hammock has been ripped up a bit. I put it into the washing machine, it didn't really get any clearer but the tears got worse.

I have not written much lately, and I realize my personal journalling should really be separated from the SEEL work that I need to do. It's weird writing now outside in the sunshine. Sometimes my scribbles are typed perfectly and then the very next line nothing comes out even close.

This Peace with Jesus is about being undisturbed, real and genuine; unanxious with the crazy events of my life. Content in all life, with Trusting Jesus in all things. Sustaining peace has been consistent, and I really feel lucky, as I've learned to just smile and go along.

Charles Stanley is talking about people being "Exalted" for service or something. I guess this really brings me back to where I started: “those who are given much, much is expected." attention… “To whom much is given, much is expected” . . . I went back to SEEL 101 to find this bold text I posted above, and so I decided to keep them both. I noticed I have the same words, but it’s slightly different. It feels like something I need to explore deeper. I guess it’s an added pronoun for “those.” Now, I struggle and fight with my tasks and responsibly. Now we read and study about mother Mary who completely submitted herself to God. 

And I guess this brings me back to my prodigal son story. Submitting my life to Jesus where all my will and expertise were given to Spirit. As weird as it seems I've already written about how I needed to find my old Journals so I can better understand how I had done this. What is strange now is that I scanned all the pages when the house sold in Seminole Heights. I did look through all my digital records and never found any of it. Then I was cleaning off my back porch and found a big wooden box that would work great to store the Journal pages. Yes, guided to do the same thing again. It’s obvious to me how much U get guided all the time, but I guess it’s important to share and explain these moments. Yes, when I moved in here, I found all my old Journals still in boxes that I had. Course I piled them all in the garage and never opened one.

I know l had to revise some of my commitments when l came home from the hospital in 1980. I'm not sure how successful I have been. I remember telling Jesus that He brought me back to do something here and now, so I didn't want any airy-fairy stuff coming through to me. With all that I've been through and seen before me, seeing Angels and Spirits seems like it would have helped instead of hurt.  So I have kinda asked to revise our commitments, though I'm not entirely sure I was successful. I mean my discernment might have been clearer and stronger with wings and halos. I tend to trust everyone too easily and accept what shows up as my next responsibility in Christ.

I guess that is why I need to stay alone at home now. I have nothing to do but write and share in Christ Jesus. I try to clean and stay focused about my place and responsibility. And it's never really clear to me. The been doing a lot of reading and not much else. 

3:58:49pm. 12/9/2024 I finished my classes on Friday. I didn't know my grades were due but luckily I was almost done with everything when I got a call from the office. I asked Lynn to help and it was all done in no time. I have done more since then, but I don't know what to do next.

2:05:53 pm 12/10/2024  Keeping peace with us always Ephesians 4, rejoice in the Lord always. I never felt trapped by my materialism. I always feel so much responsibility to be productive with all I am given. I see my time now as a way of escaping all my chores, writing, and learning instead of redoing my compost, plants, and gardens.. I still feel like I have so much to do. And I know I have to do these lessons. I know I am rich and I wonder if it will be gone next month. I have a hearing date February 20th about the house. Yes, 1420 on 20th Ave will be in court which all full like it's done already when I see these numbers all line up. Like peace is a gift from God to is my home and all God has given to me. So in peace I can accept all that GOD has given to me and know my work here will never finish through This freedom I have been granted.

Now, I need to repeat this last reading again. And as I read this over again I wondered how to apply it more to myself. Course I've never really "trusted" in riches beyond anything else, but have trusted God to bring me through. The riches have helped, and really have always just shown up as needed. But it's never been a priority, or even something that I really pursued. Funny, what comes to mind was when I first started working. Like when I come to St. Pete I was in a house in no time. I don't think I was in my new job for a full month and I was moving into a house. And then every time Colleen got pregnant I lost a job, where the new job was set within the week. Business just came so easy for me. Like, I remember how many times I've just told people how to do things, and solved all their problems with No invoice, no consulting or anything. Of course, what comes to mind now was when the county engineer asked me to this meeting with a bunch of developers, engineers, and attorneys. “What’s the model going to do here” . . . Easy peezy for me, but I could see that blew the place to pieces.

Philippians 3:7-16. Pray for St. Paul's single-minded and single-hearted focus on Christ. Ask: When have I experienced or witnessed such focus, such freedom in my life? When have I experienced or witnessed such focus, such freedom in my life? LOL, When have I NOT witnessed such focus, such freedom in my life? Seems like once again getting new words and definitions for things I’ve always known and always done.

I had a visit with Kay, and then Kevin called almost to confirm the joy of helping his wife on Monday. We spoke a lot, or I was able to speak with them both a lot. It brought me back to my Welcome witnessing and I had to find my blog posting about it which was really wicked kewl. I found it and discovered it was the transcripts from my conversation explaining it all to my Spiritual Director. 

It was a great blissing to read though it all again. And to see or realize how much has come from it, or how for I've gone since then. I feel like I've done a lot to prepare and step into something more and new and stronger than ever 
before.

Read John 3:22-30. Reflect on John the Baptist's freedom: "He must increase, but I must decrease." How have I demonstrated such freedom and other-centeredness? Where in my life do I still need to let go of excessive self-preoccupation and control?

I’m not sure if I have done this much at all. I know I've been inspired and dive into things with great focus and ambition. And I've seen and learned as necessary and then move on as necessary easily too. I've been perplexed lately as l have so many great opportunities, and have so many resources beyond my understanding. I've lost control of most all things. And recognize how much I still need to do.

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